2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Zimbabwe arrives in Lagos ahead of Nigeria clash in Uyo

By Wale Mustapha

The Zimbabwe national football team has arrived in Nigeria, landing in Lagos on Saturday afternoon, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Super Eagles on Tuesday.

The Warriors, who touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, will connect to another flight to Uyo, the venue for the highly anticipated Matchday Five clash.

Zimbabwe comes into the encounter with their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday.

They will face a tough challenge against a Super Eagles side buoyed by a commanding 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, which saw them move into fourth place in the qualifiers with six points.

With three points, Zimbabwe is desperate for a win to keep their qualification dreams alive.

However, they will be up against a resurgent Nigerian team, boosted by the return of key players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali—absentees in their previous encounter, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

A win for Nigeria on Tuesday is crucial, as it would propel them into the top three, maintaining their push for a place at the 2026 World Cup with four games remaining in the qualifiers.